Premier Greg Selinger announced on Friday that a byelection is scheduled for September 4 in Fort Whyte.

The constituency seat has been vacant since July 30 following the resignation of the former leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba Hugh McFayden.

Brian Pallister, leader of the PC, is unhappy with the timing of the byelection and said this is an example of the NDP putting “politics ahead of family.”

“We’re excited to enter the race, but disappointed to get the call,” said Pallister when announcing that he would indeed run for the constituency seat. “August is not the month to have a byelection. It’s difficult to stir up interest.”

On his campaign strategy, Pallister said the best way to earn votes is to go door-to-door. He went on to say that the strategy would pose some problems, as many Manitobans are out enjoying the final weeks of summer.

“We’re going to go to the doors and ask for support,” he said. “We plan on visiting every house in the riding, but we expect that some people won't answer their doors. That is the problem – it’s hard to reach people when they’re enjoying the Manitoba summer.”

See more in the Monday, August 6 edition of the Portage Daily Graphic.

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